Star Shay waves off criticism

[Scottish Mag 3]

A defiant Shay Given has insisted that Roy Keane's criticisms do not concern him as he prepares to captain his country for the first time at Croke Park tonight.

 

The 30-year-old will lead Steve Staunton's side out against Slovakia this evening but, although the Gallowgate favourite will equal the Republic of Ireland's appearance record for goalkeepers when he wins his 80th cap, his achievement has not impressed Keane.

 

Newcastle's number one yesterday came under attack from the Sunderland manager - with Keane insisting his former team-mate has `an agenda' and that he is looking for a `pat on the back' for reaching a personal milestone.

 

The Black Cats boss - who once famously told Mick McCarthy `I don't do friendlies' - said he could not understand why Given continued to make himself available for all international fixtures, competitive or otherwise. But the United keeper has refused to let an unfathomable attack sour what promises to be a night to remember.

 

Given said: "I haven't read his comments but I have got wind of them and I don't really want to comment on every single positive or negative remark personally. But once upon a time, players got stick for not wanting to play for their country. Now, you get stick if you do. It's a no-win situation.

 

"Personally, I will be as proud to win my 80th cap as I was to win my first. There's personal pride in that and I want as many caps as possible. If that's so wrong, then so be it."

 

Keane has been outspoken on all things Irish recently but while his criticisms of the FAI and Steve Staunton were understandable, his latest outburst came as a surprise. A model professional, Given's achievement is worth the highest praise. That he has represented Ireland on so many occasions underlines the depth of talents that have made him untouchable during his 11 years as a senior international.

 

It is Pat Bonner's record that will be equalled in tonight's European Championship qualifier and a man who coaches Given in his role as the Republic's goalkeeping coach does not mind losing the distinction to such a fine player.

 

"Shay probably has the ability to get another 40 caps," said Bonner, who knows his achievement will soon be dwarfed. He has already achieved a huge amount as a young man, and he's still relatively young in goalkeeping years. I'm delighted for him."

 

The honour will be doubled in Dublin, with Given to wear a captain's armband that Keane donned with distinction in the absence of the suspended Robbie Keane.

 

"I'm delighted to be captain," said a player who is vice-skipper to Scott Parker at St James's Park. "I didn't know until it was mentioned after the (Wales) game that Robbie was suspended and if this is the only time I do it I will be extremely proud. It isn't every day you lead your country out at Croke Park and it will be very special."

 

Bonner is confident that Given will make the ideal captain. He added: "I know there is an argument about keepers being captains but Dino Zoff did it and was very successful and Peter Schmeichel did it with Denmark. Shay has all the qualities needed to be a successful skipper. He's the type of player who will thrive on the responsibility. He's of the perfect age to show his leadership qualities."

 

Glenn Roeder will keep a close eye on Given's performance. The Irishman suffered an injured knee in a collision with Craig Bellamy at the weekend but, having missed Monday's training, he has been passed fit to face the Slovakians.

 

Obafemi Martins has returned from Nigeria, with sources in Lagos claiming the striker required treatment at the weekend for an unspecified injury. Oguchi Onyewu has also returned from the United States.

 

First-team training will resume tomorrow morning and Steven Taylor will play a prominent part. The defender missed the latest England Under-21 international with a calf complaint but has declared himself fit for this weekend's Premiership game against Manchester City.

 

"I've been training this week and thankfully there has been no reaction," he said. "I will be okay (for Saturday's game). It's a massive game given our recent results and we need to win if we're going to push for Europe."

[Dr Gloom 22493]

we should have made him him our skipper instead of parker tbh; then roeder might have the bottle to drop parker occasionally

[Tom 14021]

Shay 1 - 0 Roy

[Kid Dynamite 7308]

If they go up i hope shay makes a last minute save to win us the game against sunderland.

 

Then does something really cool and suave like offer to sign his gloves for him or something.

 

wont happen like